Besední dům

Besední dům is one of the most recognizable historic buildings in the center of Brno, today serving as the home of the Brno Philharmonic. The Neo-Renaissance palace was built between 1871 and 1873, designed by the Viennese architect Theophil Hansen, who also created Vienna's famous Musikverein around the same time — the two buildings were conceived in parallel and share a similar concept for their main "Golden Hall," the type of concert hall familiar worldwide from the televised New Year's concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic.

What was the building originally built for?

Besední dům was constructed to meet the cultural and social needs of Czech national associations active in inner-city Brno during the second half of the 19th century. Its rooms housed, among others, the Sokol gymnastics association and Beseda brněnská, a choral and cultural society that gave the building its name. It was here that one of the most important figures in Czech music got his start: at just twenty years old, Leoš Janáček took over as choirmaster of Beseda brněnská and held the post for twelve years. For classical music enthusiasts, that alone makes the building worth seeking out — it witnessed the early career of a composer who would go on to become one of the leading figures of Central European music.

How did the building's role change during the 20th century?

The history of Besední dům has not always been tied to culture. From 1953, the building was taken over by the military and operated under the name "Regional Army House," losing its original character for several years. It was only restored to its cultural purpose in the autumn of 1957. Another major turning point came with a comprehensive reconstruction carried out between 1987 and 1996, during which the interiors were adapted to the needs of what was then the State Philharmonic Brno.

What can visitors find at Besední dům today?

Today, Besední dům is one of the venues of the Brno Philharmonic and functions as a cultural center right in the heart of the city's historic core. It hosts classical music concerts, chamber performances, and cultural gatherings, and thanks to its architecture and layered history, the building itself is a worthwhile stop for visitors regardless of what is on the concert program.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Besední dům? The building was designed by the Viennese architect Theophil Hansen, also known for Vienna's Musikverein hall, and was built between 1871 and 1873.

What was Leoš Janáček's connection to Besední dům? Janáček was closely tied to Beseda brněnská, the society based in the building — starting at age twenty, he served as its choirmaster for twelve years.

What was the building used for during the communist era? From 1953 it was used by the military as the "Regional Army House," and it regained its original cultural function in the autumn of 1957.

What can you see at Besední dům today? It now houses the Brno Philharmonic, offering classical music concerts as well as a chance to admire its historic architecture in the center of Brno.